First produced in London in 1922, Snap was popular enough with audiences to keep it going for six months (233 performances). Its primary creators were Australians Dion Titheradge (1889-1934) and Kenneth Duffield (1885-1958), along with Englishman Ronald Jeans (1887-1973). Additional material (music and sketches) were contributed by Simon Strood, M. D. Lyon, Herbert Hupfield and Nat D. Ayer. One of the sketches identified to date was 'Saved.' The musical programme included the songs 'Snap,' (sung by Marjorie Spiers) and 'Echoes' (Cowles and Leigh).
In 1924 the revue became the first production from newly formed Australian Musical Productions Pty Ltd. Additional lyrics were contributed by South Australian writer, poet and businessman, Vaiben Louis, with additiona material and direction undertaken by English actor/director Howett Worster. For the Firm's Sydney season Worster was replaced as director by comedian Jack Cannot.
The Brisbane season saw two editions of the revue staged (the second being billed as Snap the Second). It is unclear if a similar strategy was used in earlier seasons.
Sketches identified for the first Australian version included: 'The Choice' (Reidy, Whelan and Grant), 'The Dancing Doll' (Cannot, Worster and Reidy), 'Home Sweet Home' (Fanning, Grant, Carter, Banvard, St Clair, Cannot and Whelan), 'The Advertising Drama' (no details), 'The Cure' (Cannot), 'Scotch Patrol' and 'Accidents Will Happen' (St Clair), 'O Cedar Mop' (Cannot), 'How Time Flies' (Cannot and St Clair).
Among the songs incorporated into the first Australian edition were: 'Caravan Days' (opening chorus), 'Calypso,' 'Sing it Again,' and 'Aurora Borealis' (Reidy), 'Vagabond Love' and 'A Cocktail at the Carlton' (Worster), 'Girl with the Eyes Divine' and 'Night Time' (Reidy and Worster), 'Twice One Are Two' (St Clair), 'Big Boy' and 'The Blues' (Banvard). The ballet numbers included 'The Pom Pom Platoon,' 'The Sun Will Shine' and 'On the Boulevard.'
[Source: Australian Variety Theatre Archive]
